University of San Francisco - USF Don Yearbook (San Francisco, CA)

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22 the i ax at ax of timorous minds in fretful, distorted imaginings, wherein, details are exaggerated beyond all proportions to their actual importance,—suggestions that are fit objects, therefore, for the ridicule of sensible Americans. Moreover, there are those in the I’nited States today, and their number, unfortunately, is great, who base the safety of the nation on its geographical remoteness from the powers of the Hast. Fifts years ago the isolation of the American continent was a reality. Today—due to the rapid advance of science and the relatively incredible speed and facility of maritime transportation.—that which at one time was isolation the reality, is now isolation the illusory mist. Let us not depend for our national safety on defenses so obsolete as territorial remoteness. What, then, according to the tenor of this article should be the attitude of America? The purpose of this essay is not an infusion into the hearts ot its readers of a spirit of antagonistic and aggressive suspicion toward Japan. Its message is this: Watchfulness! Firmness! Preparedness! Let us stand by our rights and defend them. Let us be hopeful for the best, but let us be prepared for any emergency. Let us never permit the consciousness of our power to dim the national vision in its perception of dangers that are real and may be imminent. Watchfulness—without suspicion; Firmness—without arrogance! Preparedness—without militar- ism! This should be the attitude of America toward Japan. e Far out across the waters of the broad Pacific, an eastern eagle swoops and swims with lazy vigilance in the air. On graceful pinions, her powerful talons glistening and extended, her keen eyes frowning into the West she wheels above the nest she has usurped. From time to time she listens with intentness. She has heard the distant flutter of other wings. The silence is almost oppressive. Will she now scream— and break the peace—and die?

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THE EAGLE OF THE EAST 21 mandate by reason of the terms of which Japan could have exclusive control over Yap. did so absolutely without the knowledge, consent or authority of the Government of the I'nited States of America. Fourth: The I'nited States Government therefore, in view of the fact that at no time has it ceded its rights in Yap 10 the Government of Japan, and in view of tin fact that the Supreme Council conferred the mandate upon Japan without the consent or authority of the Government of the Cnited States—wishes to assert to all tin world that it still has the same rights in the island of Yap which it had prior to the granting of the League mandate to Japan. That briefly is the declaration of rights by which America has protested to the world the injustice of the Japanese claims. Already France, Italy and Great Britain have evidenced their support of the Cnited States in tin controversy. Japan alone remains silent. What will be her answer when it is finally given to the nations? She has only two courses open to her pursuit. One is an admission of America's rights in Yap, involving as it does the humiliation of a withdrawal from the attitude which she has so determinedly assumed. The other is the answer which in all probability would be most favorable to her arrogant, military caste, the answer which would amount to a plain, blunt announcement to all the world that henceforth the Far Fast and its adjacent side of the Pacific is exclusively the Dominion of the land of the Mikados! Of the two courses the first is more in conformity with the dictates of unimpassioned judgment. The second is more in harmony with the militant spirit of a Prussianized Japan. To choose the first course is a choice unshadowed by the hint of disastrous complications. A selection of the second might embroil Japan in a war with a mighty white coalition. Japan knows all these things. But still-------Japan remains silent. The suggestions of possible conflict with Japan are to some in the light of present events, due to the indulgence

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F. A. Flynn I. P. Barnett J. J. Taheny J. M. Kenny S. D. Iveipsic M. Riordan F. W. Murphy F. W. Cleary M. I. Cronin L. M. Cahill E. M. McClade E. Sharkey T. Boyle C. V. Nolan I). W. Daly V. W. Hallinan